Making the most of their top seed status, the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers refused to be a victim of an upset, slicing past the Cocolife Asset Managers, 25-17, 25-16, 25-17, to enter the 2017 Chooks-to-Go Philippine Superliga Grand Prix Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Seeking a challenge for his team that he thought was not at its peak yet, F2 Logistics head coach Ramil De Jesus saw his team’s desire to get into their second straight Finals appearance and their first franchise Grand Prix appearance.
“Sabi ko sa kanila bihira ang binibigyan ng chance na makalaro sa ganitong level so lubusin na natin,” said De Jesus. “Kita mo naman kanina ‘yung pag-execute nila. Alam na ng mga bata ‘yung kailangan gawin para mag-champion.”
For the fourth straight match, the Cargo Movers kept their errors under 15, only allowing 14 while Cocolife surrendered 27. F2 Logistics’ offense also churned out a 37-28 attacking edge, building on their superb 40% excellent reception rate.
Venezuelan Maria Jose Perez topped all scorers with 18 points while American Kennedy Bryan added 14.
“Siyempre, happy kami na nasa Finals kami pero hindi pa tapos ‘yung season na ‘to. First time nga ng F2 maka-Finals. Siguro, acheivement nga ‘yun pero mas maganda kung mag-champion kami,” closed De Jesus.
The Cargo Movers will face either Petron or Foton in the best-of-three Finals which begins on Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. F2 Logistics handed Petron their lone loss of the elims. On the other hand, Foton defeated F2 Logistics in the elimination round.
Tai Manu-Olevao topped Cocolife with 13 points while Taylor Milton added 10. The Asset Managers face the loser of Foton-Petron in the battle-for-third.
The Scores
F2 Logistics (3) – Perez 18, Bryan 13, Dy 5, Fajardo 4, Maraño 4, Baron 3, Cheng 1, Cruz 0, Santos 0, Macandili (L).
Cocolife (0) – Manu-Olevao 13, Milton 10, Pabayo 6, Salak 3, Bunag 2, Bautista 1, Gumabao 1, Gonzales 0, Malaluan 0, Lazaro (L)
